These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender and flaky on the inside, golden and crispy on the outside, and coated in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce. They make a fantastic appetizer, snack, or easy dinner served over rice or alongside vegetables.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites
- 1½ lbs salmon fillets, skin removed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for pan-frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
For Garnishing
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chopped cilantro, optional
- Lime wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into approximately 1-inch bite-sized cubes.
Place the pieces in a bowl and set aside.
2. Prepare the Coating
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
In a second bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
Dip each salmon piece into the egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off.
Then coat thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
For an extra-crispy coating, press the flour mixture gently onto each piece.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking.
4. Cook the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place the coated salmon pieces into the skillet, leaving space between them.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through in the center.
The salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) internally.
Work in batches if necessary to prevent overcrowding the skillet.
5. Toss With the Sauce
Transfer the crispy salmon bites to a bowl.
Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and gently toss until the pieces are lightly coated.
For maximum crispiness, you can instead drizzle the sauce over the salmon immediately before serving rather than tossing everything together.
6. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the salmon bites to a serving plate.
Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
Add chopped cilantro and lime wedges if desired.
Serve immediately.
Air Fryer Method
For a lighter preparation, cook the salmon bites in an air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly spray the coated salmon pieces with cooking oil.
- Arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Air fry for approximately 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Cook until golden and the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce before serving.
Tips for Extra-Crispy Salmon Bites
- Pat the salmon very dry before coating.
- Cornstarch helps create a crispier exterior.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet or air fryer basket.
- Cook the salmon in batches if necessary.
- Keep the sauce on the side or drizzle it over the salmon just before eating to preserve maximum crunch.
- Use salmon pieces that are similar in size so they cook evenly.
Easy Variations
Extra Spicy
Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating.
Honey Garlic
Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and an extra teaspoon of honey to the sauce.
Lemon Bang Bang
Replace the lime juice with fresh lemon juice for a brighter citrus flavor.
Bowl Style
Serve the crispy salmon over steamed rice with cucumber, avocado, shredded carrots, and edamame.
What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These crispy bites pair beautifully with:
- Steamed jasmine rice
- Fried rice
- Roasted vegetables
- Cucumber salad
- Coleslaw
- Avocado
- Steamed broccoli
- Sweet potato fries
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are packed with flavor, featuring crunchy golden coating, tender salmon, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce. They’re quick enough for a weeknight meal but delicious enough to serve as an appetizer for guests.